Meet the Citroen Oli, an unconventional electric concept car that has managed to pique our interest with its quirky charm and innovative features. This four-seater, delightfully boxy vehicle emerges as a refreshingly honest effort from Citroën to step away from extravagance and focus on crafting accessible, eco-friendly cars that are fun to drive.
Taking a Stand against Excess
One of the hallmarks of the Oli is its commitment to simplicity and sustainability. The seats, for instance, are constructed using 80% fewer components than what you might find in your typical modern car, and whatever remains is crafted from recyclable materials. The floor is a sheet of long-lasting polyurethane that can be reused or recycled, which offers durability superior to carpet.
The car’s music system utilises removable Bluetooth speakers. Not only does this feature provide a considerable weight reduction, but it also lends the owner the flexibility to carry their music anywhere with them.
Reclaiming Lightness
The CEO of Citroën, Vincent Cobee, has made it clear that weight reduction is a core focus for the Oli. By citing comparisons with cars from the 1970s, Cobee has flagged the escalating size and weight of modern vehicles as a growing concern, particularly in the context of the urgency to protect our environment.
Reimagining Simplicity
The driving concept behind the Oli, as expressed by Laurence Hansen, head of product development, is the idea of ‘what do I really need?’. Citroën has thus made a conscious decision to create a car that is not choked with unnecessary features and artificial intelligence. Instead, they have focused on making a vehicle that is easy to use and lightweight, just like the Ami and 2CV.
Despite its seemingly small 40kWh battery, the Oli offers an impressive 248 miles of range before needing a recharge, thanks to its lightness and simplicity. This range can be extended further by using the Vehicle to Grid (V2G) technology which Oli embodies, allowing the car to power your home or other appliances.
Innovation Rooted in Pragmatism
The tyres on the Oli are of Goodyear’s ‘Eagle GO’ concept, made almost entirely of sustainable or recycled materials. They are not only re-groovable but also recyclable after use. The intent is to extract a whopping 310,000 miles from a set of tyres, adding another feather in the hat of long-term pragmatism that Citroën appears to be aiming for.
It is true that the Oli has some elements of flamboyant concept car design, such as a flat windscreen, an expandable “pick-up bed” boot, and a load-bearing and lined roof. Nonetheless, these are by no means outlandish and add to the charm and functionality of the Oli.
So, here’s our take, Citroën: It’s time to bring the delightful Oli out of the concept realm and into our driveways. Anything less than that would indeed be a pity.
